The Minnesota Student Association passed a resolution in March asking that the university rechristen the Minneapolis student union, which was named for Lotus Coffman, president from 1920-1938. The group cited Coffman's refusal to allow black students to live at the all-white Pioneer Hall at a time when discriminatory housing was both illegal and uncommon at northern universities.

The resolution identified three additional building namesakes — President Walter Coffey, Comptroller William Middlebrook and Dean of Student Affairs Edward Nicholson — as enforcers of anti-Semitic and racist practices.

Building names at the university's campuses in Duluth, Morris, Crookston and Rochester also will be reviewed.

Regent Abdul Omari said during a board meeting on Friday, Sept. 14, that he was disappointed Kaler was appointing a second task force.

"I was hoping you would have made a bold stance on this topic by now," he said.

Kaler acknowledged his deliberate pace.

"I am trying to find a space and a way for the larger community to carefully consider and weigh in on what is really an important — as far as I know, we've never renamed a building in 162 years of history. So, I am being cautious ... but we will get there," he said.

Regents Chairman David McMillan said they need time to make sure they handle a difficult and complex topic well.